My love of science and my desire to help people feel better led me to pursue a career in dentistry. These passions still drive theworkI enjoy every day. I received a specialty Hon. B.Sc. in Toxicology, a major B.Sc. in Human Biology, and a minor in Philosophy from the University of Toronto. I moved to San Francisco to pursue my Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry. I have been happily practicing as a dentist since 2006.
I enjoy building a foundation of trust by treating every patient as a unique individual. I do everything I can to deliver gentle treatment and make people feel comfortable. I am proud to say that I have converted quite a few dental-phobic individuals, of all ages, into enthusiastic patients who now love visiting our dental office! We are truly a family dental practice. I have a passion for creating beautiful smiles with minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry using the latest techniques, materials and technology available in dentistry. I am an Advanced Bioclear Certified Doctor that allows me to transform my patients smiles.
As a mom to two young children, I know how parents can struggle to get their kids to brush their teeth. I am committed to making the dental visit a fun experience. I volunteer to visit preschools and elementary schools to educate youngsters about the importance of taking care of their precious smiles. I use puppets, story-telling and song to teach children about sugar bugs and cavities.'
I am a member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. I am also involved with the local San Francisco Dental Society, having served as a committee member in Peer Review, New Dentist Committee, and Community Dental Health Committee, Chair of the New Dentist Committee, and a Director of the Board.
My husband Paul and I are parents to a young son and daughter, which keeps us on our toes. I enjoy karaoke, yoga, travel, movies, and TV. I grew up in Canada, so I love the multicultural aspects of San Francisco, the sense of community and I and dont miss shoveling snow for half of the year!
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 191 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestDUBS Forever Lozano
a year ago
Great teeth cleaning experience! Thx Dr. Sotto and staff!
stivbators Bill Burke
a year ago
Great experience. Would recommend them to anyone.
Toby Coursen
a year ago
Excellent dental experience! Dr. Shih and Alicia helped me feel completely relaxed and very well cared for while I got my new filling. I would highly recommend Ocean Avenue Dentistry.
roger neaves
a year ago
My first visit. They were very complete in the exam and went out of their way to get me in and out on time.
Robert Craig
a year ago
Just had my second visit with Lisa for teeth cleaning. Lisa is a "keeper" - competent, experienced, and personable. Thanks Lisa!
Diana Naranjo
a year ago
They are very kind, speedy, and professional. They also do a great job of saying exactly what is happening while they work on you, so there are no surprises.
Susan Woo
a year ago
Great Staff, always friendly and helpful, very sweet, a wonderful office.
Don McLaurin
2 years ago
Friendly staff & absolutely painless. Managed to get me in overnight for an emergency exam & referral -- and Dr Shih was not even in town!
Jessica McKellar
2 years ago
I have moderate anxiety about going to the dentist due to bad experiences as a child. Because of that, I have avoided going to the dentist for long stretches, and hadn't been to a dentist in 7 years. A friend recommended Dr. Shih at Ocean Avenue Dentistry as being especially good with people who have anxiety about dentists, so I decided to try her out (also I wanted to get a referral for Invisaligns). I've now seen Dr. Shih twice, for a deep clean and two fillings, and she is the best dentist I've experienced. She tailored my visits to make me as comfortable as possible given my anxiety (for me, this meant booking extra time, explaining everything as she was doing it, and using distraction techniques when injecting local anesthetics). She successfully minimized the pain, and I had no pain afterwards. My husband is now also a patient, and I plan to use Ocean Avenue Dentistry for my infant daughter once she has teeth.
kenny yee
2 years ago
Less then ten minutes visit and lost out on 180 dollar with no fix to my tooth problem. they refer me to somewhere else and did not even use the 60mins time to give me a good check on my teeth. they x ray my teeth but never look throughly at my mouth . What did I pay for? Dentist can't fix everything in the mouth . Save money. don't go here ask a doctor about your teeth problem.
Masoud Fakhraei
2 years ago
Very Good
maria mana
2 years ago
A thorough first visit with a caring dentist.
Vivek Sridharan
2 years ago
Dr. Sandy Shih and her team really care and do a thorough job at a fair price. They also are flexible with booking appointments and availability. Beyond being a great dentist, Dr. Shih is a special person with a heart of gold.
Rick Shea
2 years ago
Have been going here for over 50 years. The new owners are very proficient and friendly as well are all of the staff. The technician Lisa is great and very personable. They have all the up to date methods and treatments. I will continue going here.
Edward brouillet
2 years ago
My dentist retired and he recommended Dr. Shih. I'm extremely pleased that he did
Linda Twigfire
2 years ago
Always great
Dorris Leung
2 years ago
Dr Shih was recommend by my best friend. Dr Shih is amazing. She is very patient, gentle, and professional. The office staff is great too. I would definitely recommend her to anyone I know.
Vanessa Gamp
2 years ago
Dr. Shih is a fabulous dentist. She has been helping me with my teeth after my dental health changed dramatically while I was pregnant and after having my twins. Over the past few years she's guided me through the process of having several fillings (my first ever), deep cleanings, prescription strength tooth paste and a new cleanings schedule. She's been kind, straight forward, great at explaining things, and never judgy. My dental health has improved dramatically and I can't say enough good things about her! The BIG Bonus is her office staff. I am NEVER waiting to be seen, Virginia and Marisa are a delight to chat with at the front desk, her Hygienist Lisa does a wonderful cleaning and is great at keeping a conversation going without that awkward "i have something in my mouth I can't talk to you" problem happening. Really this place is such a delight: I'm in and out with a healthy smile. What more could you ask for!?
GARY CRADDOCK
2 years ago
Great quality group of dental folks at this place. Really friendly, smart and caring staff there. Gary
Michael Bennett
2 years ago
Sooo Grateful to Dr. Shih; chipped my tooth and she came in early on an off day and fixed my tooth perfectly. Above and beyond. Thank you !!
Load more